#Japan #Tokyo #KDDI #au #Monaki

Exciting Collaboration Between Au and Monaki

KDDI Corporation, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has unveiled a unique collaboration with the four-member boy band Monaki to promote the concept of “connectivity” embodied in Au's slogan of being number one in connection experience. This collaboration harmonizes Au's commitment to network quality across various regions with Monaki’s dedication to connecting with their fans and community.

On September 14, two music videos (MVs) featuring satirical renditions of Monaki’s debut song, “Honnamade☆Nandeyan☆Shirankana” were released across various official Au social media channels. The aim is to create a fresh experience where participants can choose their favorite version of “your phone's connectivity experience” by selecting between the upbeat “Barisamba” version and the poignant “Kyomu Dance” rendition.

About the Music Videos

The newly arranged lyrics and choreography of the MVs capture contrasting themes of connection and disconnection that smartphones often symbolize. The two distinct MVs represent these themes:

• - “Honnamade☆Tsunagattennen☆Nandeyaro”: An upbeat Barisamba version expressing excitement at being connected with Au.
• - “Tsunagaran☆Nandeyan☆Shirankana”: A heartfelt ballad portraying the sadness of disconnection.

In the Barisamba version, the rhythm invites a dynamic dance performance that emphasizes the thrill and joy of connectivity. Conversely, the ballad version features a somber dance expressed through “Kyomu Dance,” reflecting the sadness of being disconnected. Both MVs provide a fresh perspective on Monaki’s music, offering fans a glimpse of a new side to the group.

Behind the Scenes

Recording for the MVs began with the more somber “Tsunagaran☆Nandeyan☆Shirankana,” where the members exhibited excellent teamwork. The atmosphere shifted dramatically during the recording of the Barisamba version with lively interactions and calls from the staff for the members to freestyle, showcasing their distinct personalities.

During the MV for the upbeat song, the members wore striking costumes featuring large wings, leading to humorous moments as they bumped into each other while dancing. Wearing shorts was a novel experience for many of the members, eliciting comments about how fresh it felt. The camaraderie was evident as they shared smiles during filming and demonstrated fantastic teamwork with their catchy slogan, “Zutto, Motto, Tsunaguzo. Au.”

In the somber MV, KenKen, known for his “Kyomu Pink” persona, shone with a professional depiction of sadness. This contrast from the vibrant world of samba to the gloomy atmosphere of “Kyomu” was beautifully executed by all members.

Between scene changes, they practiced both dances, exhibiting their strong bond through playful interactions and laughter among themselves. At the end of the shoot, each member shared heartfelt comments with the staff, concluding a day filled with smiles and enthusiasm.

Member Reflections

When asked about their feelings upon learning of the collaboration, member Jin expressed, “I was incredibly honored. The concept of connecting with everyone resonates deeply with how we want to engage with our fans.”
Sakai Jr. added, “This collaboration aligns beautifully with our mission to connect with our supporters.”

Their reflections on the filming experience varied, with Oyone expressing her excitement for the bright set and the lighting effects, while KenKen humorously noted his anticipation of embodying a character as drastically different from his usual self as possible.

As they work to interpret the two contrasting themes of their song, each member is excited for fans to see how they’ve expressed their respective identities through this collaboration.

From debut to now, the group's evolution over five months has been significant. Jin mentioned, “I can now afford slightly better bananas!” while expressing aspirations to branch into live performances with original instruments. Sakai Jr. noted how they have grown in expressing their true selves through music and interactions, hoping to connect not just domestically but also internationally.

Fans can catch both videos on Au’s official social media channels, including YouTube and TikTok, bringing the catchy and captivating nature of their collaboration to life.

For updates and viewing, check out Au's official YouTube channel with the expected release on September 14.

Outdoor Advertising

Starting from September 14, a special collaboration movie with Monaki will be showcased at Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where catchy visuals will convey Au’s message of connectivity.

KDDI continues to innovate with a mission to enhance connectivity, making significant strides in 5G offerings and collaborations like this to promote community engagement. Stay tuned for more exciting content from Au and Monaki!

For more information about KDDI’s connectivity experiences, please visit their service page.